Marcus Camby needs knee surgery

Camby hurt his knee in Portland's victory Monday night over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team says an MRI exam was initially clear, but closer examination revealed a partial meniscus tear.

There is no timetable for Camby's return. His surgery has not yet been scheduled.

Camby

The news came as the Blazers prepared to play in Sacramento Wednesday night.

The team has been besieged with injuries this season. All-Star guard Brandon Royhad arthroscopic surgery on both of his knees Monday. His return also was uncertain.

Roy has missed 18 games this season because of soreness in his knees, which he has said is caused by a lack of cartilage. He was averaging 16.6 points in 23 games this season. For his career, the 2007 rookie of the year is averaging 19.9 points and 4.9 assists.

In November, the team announced that center Greg Oden, the No. 1 draft pick in 2007, would miss the season because of microfracture surgery on his left knee. Oden missed his rookie year because of microfracture surgery on his right knee.

Second-year forward Jeff Pendergraph injured his knee in the preseason and required season-ending surgery. And rookie guard Elliot Williams has undergone surgery this season on both knees.

Camby's injury leaves the Blazers thin at center. Joel Przybilla returned early in December from a ruptured patella, but his minutes have been limited.

The Blazers also have second-year forward Dante Cunningham, who started the second half against the Timberwolves.

Camby was averaging 5.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.87 blocks in 39 games this season, all starts. His absence will be significant not only because of his contribution on the floor, but because of his veteran leadership in the locker room.